Sections

You can tell from the sheer number of linked stories below that the
Derby Trail is getting serious.
Many of the articles and videos have a singular focus on Union Rags, who
will be the short priced favorite in Saturday’s Florida Derby (G1).All handicapper picks so far have him
on top. Somewhat surprising is that several are trying to beat Todd
Pletcher-trained El Padrino in the second spot. Take Charge Indy or News
Pending seem to be the choices for the bottom half of the exacta.In any event, most everyone is hoping
for a dominating performance from Union Rags to spark hype going into the
Triple Crown season// Javier Castellano describes El Padrino as “laid-back” and
seems accepting of the fact he gave up the mount on Union Rags to ride for
Pletcher instead// Buzz is picking up for Cigar Street in Sunday’s Louisiana
Derby (G2).It will be just his
third race, but Cigar Street is coming off a 13 3/4 length maiden romp at the
Fair Grounds which was as visually impressive as any win from the other Louisiana
Derby entrants// Alpha is still on course for the Wood Memorial (G1)- as of
now.Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin
hasn’t switched the plan in almost a week, which is a nice respite from the once
frequent changes to the horse’s schedule.McLaughlin thinks Gemologist is the one to beat in the Wood.He and Alpha will most likely face Casual Trick, My Adonis, Street Life, The Lumber
Guy, and Tiger Walk// Bob Baffert is out of the hospital in Dubai, where he
suffered a heart attack earlier in the week.His assistant Jimmy Barnes said Bodemeister, who finished
second last time out in the San Felipe (G2), will ship to Oaklawn for the
Arkansas Derby (G1).Baffert’s
Secret Circle and Drill put in official workouts Thursday, with the former
posting a bullet move in 5-furlongs and the latter going an extended 1 mile//
Lucky Chappy continues to be the center of attention for the UAE Derby (G2) in
Dubai.Much of that has to do with
his Derby winning connections Graham Motion and Team Valor.He faces a tough challenge Saturday
against several successful horses, includes Aidan O’Brien’s Breeders’ Cup
Juvenile Turf (G1) winner Wrote// more…